WEBVTT <I would suggest that we allowfireworks only on July 4th...>DM city council Joe Gatto saysnow that Fireworks sales arelegal inIowa, it's time to let resident use them in Des Moines. But only forone day...from 4 to 10pm on July4th 2017. He's calling for ahefty 625 dollar fine for residents who use them any other day of the year. And this first fireworks test would be a pilot program only.< I believe weshould allow it and compromise, only a pilot program. Because ifit's a disaster, I will be thefirst one to put it on an agendaand opt out of it> Three othercouncil members agree, saying it's time to drop the ban onfireworks use.< We have a ban on fireworks in the city andobviously no one is paying aattention to it>The new state law allows forfireworks sales anywhere in Iowa. But cities have the right to ban their use. Dm city council critics say the dangerof fireworks is obvious.< I don't see anything good tocome out of it, I think the safety issue is reallyproblematic>< I can not support this. In any means, or anyfashion. I don't think it's goodpolicy, I don't think it's good governance, and I don't think itprotects the best interests ofthe citizens of our city. And

Fireworks allowed 1 day per year under city council program

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Updated: 10:05 PM CDT May 22, 2017

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Fireworks will officially be legal to use in Des Moines on July Fourth thanks to a surprise vote Monday by the Des Moines City Council.

Des Moines residents will be allowed to shoot off fireworks within city limits for the first time in generations, but the pilot program includes many restrictions if fireworks are used any other time than July Fourth.

The pilot program, suggested by Des Moines City Councilman Joe Gatto, permits the use of fireworks on July Fourth from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The program also includes a hefty $625 fine for residents who use them any other day of the year.

“I believe we should allow it and compromise (with) only a pilot program, because if it's a disaster I will be the first one to put it on an agenda and opt out of it,” Gatto said.

Three other council members agreed, saying it is time to drop the ban on fireworks use.

“We have a ban on fireworks in the city and obviously no one is paying any attention to it,” Des Moines City Councilman Bill Gray said.

The new state law allows for fireworks sales anywhere in Iowa, but cities have the right to ban their use. Critics of the new law said the danger of fireworks is obvious.

“I don't see anything good to come out of it,” Des Moines City Councilwoman Chris Hensley said. “I think the safety issue is really problematic.”

“I cannot support this in any means or any fashion.” Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie said. “I don't think it's good policy, I don't think it's good governance and I don't think it protects the best interests of the citizens of our city. And that's all I'll say about it.”

The council voted 4-3 to try the fireworks pilot program.

Additional restrictions include the following

- Fireworks cannot be used on streets or sidewalks.- Fireworks can only be used on the owner’s property.- Users must be 18 or older and cannot be over the legal limit of alcohol use.- Fireworks cannot be used within 200 yards of hospitals or senior living facilities.-Fireworks use will only be allowed between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July Fourth.–Violators face a $625 fine if fireworks are used any other day of the year.

The council also wants the new rules posted in any business that sells fireworks in Des Moines this summer.